Chapter 8 - Revelation
Later that evening, John, Arthur, Polly, and Ada joined Thomas in his office. Thomas sat at his desk finishing his will. They locked up the entire facility. Ada entered the office last.
"Ada, can you close and lock the door behind you?" he requested. A lit cigarette hovered in his fingertips.
"What's this all about, Tom? You're locking the whole place down like it's a bunker or something?" she asked curiously.
"John, please close and lock the door for her?" he asked again. John did as he was told.
"We have spies around 'ere Ada. We have to," Arthur answered her.
"Jesus," she mumbled folding her arms, "and why are we all here?" Polly took the seat she had previously that day.
"We are here because I have some very important business to discuss. Family business," said Tommy from his chair.
"Tommy, what's 'at?" Arthur asked nodding toward the paper on his desk.
"I'll get to that, but first, it has come to my attention that some people have been asking about me health," said Tommy tentatively.
"They have?" said Ada looking around the room.
"Yes," answered Tommy, "and … I am here to reassure everyone that they have nothing to fear." He put the cigarette out in the ashtray.
"I am, however, taking a small leave from the business," Tommy noted, "So, I will leave Arthur, Polly, and John in charge."
"What the hell are you talking about Tommy?" Aunt Polly inquired realizing that he was avoiding the real situation.
"This paper here, is my will, should anything happen to me while I am away," he interjected, tapping his fingertips on the parchment.
"Not this again, Tommy," said Ada anxiously.
"And you are not even going to tell them?" Polly said angrily.
"Tell us what," demanded Arthur.
"You told Polly, but you weren't going to tell us?!" said John frustrated. Tommy felt attacked from all sides.
"It's for everyone's protection here," said Tommy.
"Like hell it is!" said Polly.
"Tommy, please," said Ada.
"ENOUGH!" Tommy said finally silencing the room. Stillness settled.
"Well, if you aren't going to tell us, then I see no reason in being here," Ada said at last attempting to leave the room.
"Wait," called Tommy. She waited with her hand on the handle of the door.
"I'm leaving … because Grace and I, are having a baby," said Tommy.
"That's it! That's the reason why you brought us here!" Ada said.
"I thought she lost the kid," Arthur said in the back of his throat.
"She didn't," said Tommy looking from Polly to Ada.
"Is that what all the fuss was about when you came to see then?" Ada said more calmly.
"Yes," Tommy said plainly.
"If that's all then I don't see what all the secrecy and talk of leaving is Tommy," John said half smiling. He put his hands on the back of one of the chairs.
"Because she's not the one having it," Tommy revealed to John. Fear bubbled in his throat. John's face would have made a funny picture.
"What are you going on about?" Arthur said thoroughly confused. Polly watched Tommy's expression.
"I am," Tommy exhaled.